Shopping for a cheap Android phone today? Here are the best budget picks (Pixel 9a, Galaxy A-series, Nothing Phone 3a, Moto G Stylus) plus the end‑of‑year discounts expiring on Dec. 30.
It’s the last stretch of 2025, and the “cheap Android phone” category has quietly turned into the most competitive part of the smartphone market. The newest budget models are no longer just “good enough” backups—they’re bringing flagship-style cameras, premium-looking screens, faster charging, and years of software support at prices that don’t make your wallet flinch.
Android Central’s latest roundup (updated December 26, 2025) puts it simply: if you’re shopping under roughly $500, the shortlist is surprisingly strong—and it’s getting stronger as new devices and late‑December deals land. [1]
Below is a newsroom-ready guide to what matters today, December 30, 2025: the best cheap Android phones you can buy right now, the late‑breaking price drops expiring tonight, and the upcoming releases that could change the budget landscape in early 2026.
Best cheap Android phones right now: quick list
These are the “best in class” picks most shoppers should start with (all are positioned as budget-friendly options by Android Central): [2]
- Best cheap Android phone overall:Google Pixel 9a (the “best option” in this price range and “arguably the finest phone you can get for $500”). [3]
- Best value “flagship-like” pick:OnePlus 13R (powerful hardware, improved cameras, multi-day battery with very fast charging). [4]
- Best on sale:Google Pixel 8a (strong value now that the 9a is out; notable long update support). [5]
- Best design under $500:Nothing Phone 3a (clean software, standout look; shorter update window than Pixel/Samsung). [6]
- Best for Galaxy fans:Samsung Galaxy A36 5G (big AMOLED screen, mainstream Galaxy features; long update runway). [7]
- Best under $300:Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (strong “budget basics,” plus a long update guarantee). [8]
- Best under $200:Samsung Galaxy A16 5G (entry-level but still AMOLED + a long update promise for the price). [9]
- Best cheap phone with a stylus:Moto G Stylus (2025) (integrated stylus, big OLED, fast wired + wireless charging). [10]
Now let’s break down what each of these is actually best at—and what you give up at each price tier.
The best cheap Android phone overall: Google Pixel 9a
If you want the safest “buy it and forget it” recommendation on Dec. 30, 2025, the Pixel 9a sits at the top of the pile. Android Central calls it the best pick in the budget space, highlighting its premium-feeling design, strong cameras, and software packed with AI features—at around $500. [11]
WIRED’s testing-driven take lines up with that: it names the Pixel 9a as the top cheap phone overall, points to the $499 price, and emphasizes the combination of camera quality, smart Pixel software features, and seven years of updates. [12]
Who should buy it
- You care about camera consistency (especially in everyday shots), clean software, and long-term updates.
- You want a phone that feels “high-end enough” without paying flagship prices.
Trade-offs to know
- You’re paying for the Pixel experience—if all you want is the biggest screen or the fastest charging, there are rivals that lean harder into those specs.
Best “budget flagship” value: OnePlus 13R
OnePlus has turned its “R” line into the opposite of boring: high-end performance, big battery life, and extremely fast charging—usually for much less than typical flagships. Android Central ranks the OnePlus 13R as its best value flagship, specifically calling out strong performance, improved cameras, and multi-day battery life with “super-fast charging.” [13]
If software support is part of your checklist, Android Central’s scorecard notes four years of major updates and six years of security updates for the 13R. [14]
One notable wrinkle: Android Central explicitly mentions the newer OnePlus 15R exists, but argues you’re still “better off” with the 13R for value. [15]
Who should buy it
- You want snappy performance and charging speed more than “pure Pixel camera magic.”
- You want a phone that feels closer to flagship behavior without flagship pricing.
Trade-offs to know
- Secondary cameras often matter less here than the headline specs (screen/charging/performance).
Best cheap Android phone on sale: Google Pixel 8a
The Pixel 8a is a classic end-of-year move: it’s older than the 9a, but it can become the smarter buy if discounts push it into a lower tier. Android Central’s scoring notes it’s “even better on sale,” and it highlights the Pixel 8a’s standout update story: a seven-year update promise. [16]
Who should buy it
- You want Pixel features and long support, but you’re hunting the best deal rather than the newest model.
Trade-offs to know
- Compared to the newer 9a, you’re choosing price over “latest generation” refinements.
Best design on a budget: Nothing Phone 3a
If you’re tired of budget phones that look like budget phones, this is the lane Nothing is trying to own. Android Central ranks the Nothing Phone 3a as best design, and its scorecard praises clean software with minimal bloat. [17]
But pay attention to support length: Android Central’s scorecard describes an update plan of three years of OS updates and four years of security updates—fine, but not Pixel-level. [18]
Who should buy it
- You want something different from the standard black slab and value a clean UI.
Trade-offs to know
- Update longevity lags behind the best-in-class options.
Best for Galaxy fans: Samsung Galaxy A36 5G
Samsung’s budget A-series matters because it’s everywhere—carriers, big-box stores, and prepaid shelves. Android Central picks the Galaxy A36 5G as “best for Galaxy fans,” and highlights its 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh plus a 5,000mAh battery. [19]
Where it really competes is long-term ownership: Android Central’s at‑a‑glance section describes the A36 offering six generations of OS upgrades. [20]
Who should buy it
- You like Samsung’s One UI and want the “Galaxy” experience without paying S‑series prices.
- You want a big, bright display and a predictable support timeline.
Trade-offs to know
- You’re prioritizing a well-rounded mainstream experience over niche perks like the best camera algorithms or the fastest charging.
Best cheap Android phone under $300: Samsung Galaxy A26 5G
Android Central tags the Galaxy A26 5G as the best option under $300, and its scorecard underscores a key budget-phone differentiator: a six-year guarantee with timely updates. [21]
Who should buy it
- You want a “set it and keep it” phone at a true budget price.
- You’d rather have long support and mainstream reliability than cutting-edge specs.
Trade-offs to know
- Budget performance ceilings are real; if you’re a heavy gamer or power user, you may want to step up.
Best cheap Android phone under $200: Samsung Galaxy A16 5G
Entry-level doesn’t automatically mean “no future” anymore. Android Central puts the Galaxy A16 5G in the best-under-$200 slot, and its at-a-glance notes that it ships with Android 14 and includes six generations of OS upgrades—rarely even discussed in the under-$200 bracket a few years ago. [22]
Who should buy it
- You need 5G + a large AMOLED display on a strict budget.
- You want long-term updates without spending more.
Trade-offs to know
- This tier is about essentials: it’s built for daily messaging, social, streaming, and maps—not for demanding workloads.
Best cheap phone with a stylus: Moto G Stylus (2025)
Motorola’s lineup can be confusing, but Android Central singles out the Moto G Stylus 2025 as a “near-perfect combination” of specs and value—especially for anyone who actually uses a stylus. [23]
Its listed spec sheet includes a large 6.7-inch P‑OLED 120Hz display, 68W wired and 15W wireless charging, and expandable storage via microSD. [24]
Who should buy it
- You jot notes, mark up screenshots, sketch, or love the precision of a stylus.
Trade-offs to know
- Motorola’s software support often isn’t as long as Google’s or Samsung’s top promises (and Android Central hints that update commitments can still “fall behind”). [25]
Today’s budget-phone news and deals for Dec. 30, 2025
Even if you already know what model you want, today’s date matters—because some legitimate end‑of‑year discounts expire tonight.
1) Google Store Canada: several Pixel discounts end tonight (Dec. 30)
Google Store Canada’s offers page flags multiple Pixel discounts as “Ends today” with terms that specify an end time of December 30, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. PST (Canada-only eligibility). [26]
Notable ones listed include:
- Save CA$180 on Pixel 9a (ends Dec. 30 at 11:59 p.m. PST). [27]
- Save CA$250 on Pixel 10 (ends Dec. 30 at 11:59 p.m. PST). [28]
- Save CA$250 on Pixel 10 Pro / Pro XL (ends Dec. 30 at 11:59 p.m. PST). [29]
- Save CA$450 on Pixel 10 Pro Fold (ends Dec. 30 at 11:59 p.m. PST). [30]
Important: These are explicitly listed as Google Store Canada offers and can be limited by supply and eligibility—so treat them as time-sensitive and region-specific. [31]
2) OnePlus 15R is here—but US/UK buyers may be waiting a few days
If you’re considering “cheap” as “midrange premium,” the OnePlus 15R is part of the conversation. Android Central notes the Pixel 9a launched in March 2025 and the OnePlus 15R launched in December 2025. [32]
Tom’s Guide adds the practical detail: the OnePlus 15R is up for pre-orders in the U.S. and U.K., with open sales starting January 8, 2026, and pricing starting at $699 / £649. [33]
That makes today’s shopping decision simple for many buyers: the Pixel 9a is in a lower price class (Tom’s Guide notes it starts at $499 in the U.S.). [34]
3) 2026 watchlist: Samsung’s next budget Galaxy A phones may get camera upgrades (rumor)
Looking slightly ahead: Tom’s Guide reports leaks suggesting Samsung’s Galaxy A37 and A57 (expected 2026 budget models) may get meaningful main camera sensor upgrades, with a potential February 2026 launch window discussed. [35]
For shoppers, the takeaway is straightforward: if camera quality is your only priority and you can wait a few weeks, the early‑2026 A‑series cycle might be worth watching.
4) Motorola’s 2026 value phones are already lining up
Motorola is also teeing up 2026 budget releases. A PRNewswire announcement for the moto g power – 2026 says the universally unlocked device is expected to be available in the U.S. on January 8 at major retailers (with an MSRP listed). [36]
How to choose a cheap Android phone in 2025 without regretting it
Budget phones are better than ever, but they’re also more specialized. Here’s what to prioritize:
Long software support (it’s now a real differentiator)
- Pixel models can offer multi-year support—Android Central calls out a seven-year update promise for the Pixel 8a, and WIRED lists 7 years of updates for the Pixel 9a. [37]
- Samsung’s budget models are also leaning into longevity (Android Central points to six generations of OS upgrades on the Galaxy A36 and A16, and a six-year update guarantee on the A26). [38]
If you keep phones for 3–5 years, this can matter more than a slightly faster chip.
Display quality: OLED + 120Hz is increasingly common
Android Central’s specs for several picks emphasize OLED/AMOLED and high refresh rates—especially on the Pixel and Galaxy A‑series options. [39]
Charging and battery
If you hate charging anxiety:
- OnePlus leans into fast charging and battery life in this segment. [40]
- Motorola’s Moto G Stylus 2025 stands out with fast wired charging plus wireless charging on its listed specs. [41]
Camera expectations
Budget phones can take great photos in good light, but zoom and low-light performance are still where premium devices pull away. Pixels tend to “punch above their weight” through computational photography, which is a big reason they keep topping budget lists. [42]
Should you buy a cheap Android phone now—or wait for 2026 models?
There’s a real argument for both:
- Buy now if you see a steep discount on a phone you already like, or if your current phone is failing. End-of-year promos can push higher-tier phones into budget territory (and some offers literally end today). [43]
- Wait if you’re not in a rush and want the newest generation: WIRED notes that cheap phones “typically launch in the first half of the year,” meaning we’re getting close to 2026 refreshes for many lines. [44]
A practical compromise: if you’re buying today, prioritize models with longer update promises so you aren’t “punished” for buying late in the cycle.
Bottom line for Dec. 30, 2025
If you want one recommendation that fits the most people: Pixel 9a. It’s consistently ranked at the top of the budget category for good reason—camera reliability, clean software, and long support. [45]
If you want the fastest-feeling phone and charging at this price: OnePlus 13R is the spec-forward value play. [46]
If you want a mainstream Samsung experience without flagship pricing: Galaxy A36 5G (or A26/A16 for tighter budgets) is the safe, widely available route with strong update commitments. [47]
And if you’re in Canada, today is a “check the clock” day—Google Store Canada’s Pixel discounts are listed as ending tonight. [48]
References
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